November 19, 2024
Jamie and Colin Hilding were exhausted and nervous as they led their three-year-old son into St.Amant’s Early Learning Program classroom. Casper had been diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum, and while they’d been told the organization had an excellent reputation, the first-time parents were apprehensive.
“We were worried whether they’d understand all of his personality quirks: his meltdown triggers, the way he couldn’t explain or even point out what he wanted, and the way he was always trying to escape.”
About that last ‘quirk’. As a toddler, Casper took advantage of a lull in attention to quickly push a chair up to the front door of the family’s apartment, undo all three locks and make a beeline for the exit before being discovered. Over the years it seemed his drive to flee only increased. It’s not an uncommon trait among children with autism, but it was adding a layer of urgency to Casper’s needs and demanding hypervigilance from his parents.
For Jamie and Colin, escape-related calls from caregivers and nursery school staff were only increasing the pressure they were feeling to find the special expertise and safe environment their son needed.
St.Amant has been supporting Manitobans with autism, brain injuries, and developmental disabilities for almost a century through tailored services and person-centred supports that foster greater independence and enhanced quality of life. After Casper’s first day in St.Amant’s Early Learning Program, the Hildings say they were able to let go of their fears. Within weeks, they began seeing the impact.
“Before St.Amant we felt helpless. Having professionals helping us with all their experience in situations like ours: that was huge for us. Please support them to continue being game-changers for families like ours!”
Data-informed teaching strategies, advanced approaches in tailored goal setting and teaching and innovative educational practices are what the people at St.Amant do every day, all supported by rigorous research. Their work is making a measurable difference in the lives of our children, our families and our community.
In a classroom set up to meet his needs, Casper received individualized support for two years. An important part of supporting children is identifying situations that are distressing to them, and helping them find strategies and build skills that they can use to work through these daily situations. As Casper’s teachers got to know him, they were able to support him to learn communication and coping skills that worked for him to get his needs met.
The Hilding family has since grown to include three children all living with autism: Casper (now 8), and twins Casey and Remy (5). The twins were enrolled in the Autism Programs as soon as they were old enough, while Casper—with some continued help from St.Amant—is now in grade three at a local school.
The Hilding’s journey continues, but without St.Amant’s Early Learning Program and Autism Services, supported by so many compassionate professionals, Jamie and Colin say their future—and that of many other Manitoba families—would be uncertain.
“Without St.Amant’s support, our family’s future would look drastically different. We’ll still have difficult days now and then, but without St.Amant the challenges and stress we face would be multiplied to 365 days a year!”
Your contribution to St.Amant can transform lives today for kids who need it most. Please consider making your donation today.
With my gratitude,
Tania Douglas
Executive Director
PS. – Help the Hilding children continue their journey towards secure and fulfilling lives and provide similar opportunities for many others supported by St.Amant. Click here to make your donation today.
